Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a State Corporation established as a National body responsible for carrying out health research in Kenya. KEMRI Human DNA Identification Laboratory also known as HID laboratory is a leading laboratory in the provision of DNA testing services in the region. They offer DNA Testing services in the area of paternity testing and family relationship testing. Their facility meets international standards hence ensuring quality service. The laboratory serves private clients as well as those referred from courts.
KEMRI being primarily a research institute, the laboratory is keen on initiating and collaborating in the area of DNA forensics. The ultimate goal of the laboratory is to increase DNA testing capacity in Kenya. They also offer training on DNA testing as way of contributing towards capacity building both locally and regionally. They regularly use saliva samples but they can also conduct the DNA test using a range of tissues which includes; blood, nails, bones, teeth hair etc. It takes KEMRI 5 -10 working days to process results of the DNA tests.
Types of DNA tested by KEMRI
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) offers the following types of DNA tests.
- DNA Paternity test: Paternity test determines whether a tested man is the biological father of a tested child. The child’s DNA pattern is compared to that of the alleged father to check for evidence of inheritance which is the proof of a biological relationship. In a standard DNA paternity test, the tested parties include child, father and mother. The mothers’ participation helps to exclude half of the child’s DNA leaving the other half for comparison with the alleged fathers DNA. However, a paternity test can be performed without the participation of mother and the results will still be equally conclusive.
- DNA Maternity test: Determines whether a tested woman is the biological mother of a tested child. This test can be used to prove biological for example resolve situations where mothers or hospital staffs suspect that a baby mix up occurred in the nursery.
- Family relationship testing: This determines whether individuals are related. KEMRI are able to carry out siblingship test, Avuncular (uncle-aunt test) and grand parentage.
- Identity DNA Profiling: Private individuals may also choose to obtain records of their DNA profiles in case identification is ever needed. This is so as to:
- To safeguard the rightful heirs and ensure that they will inherit your estate through the exclusion of false claims on your inheritance.
- To avoid expensive exhumations if your DNA profile may be required in the future.
- As a precaution for any possible future identification/verification requirements e.g., in cases of kidnapping, accidental death, act of terrorism etc.
- Forensic DNA testing: This can be useful in:
- Linking unsolved crimes.
- Finding a suspect in criminal situations such as rape and incest.
- Identification victims of mass fatality disaster such as terror attacks, fire and natural disasters.
- Identification of missing persons for example individuals in mortuaries who cannot be identified by physical means.
KEMRI DNA testing fees
KEMRI charges the following fees for DNA testing.
| No. | DNA Testing Option | Cost |
| 1. | Paternity test: Mother, Child and Alleged Father or Child and Alleged Father without mother | Ksh 20,000 |
| 2. | Maternity test: Mother and Child | Ksh 20,000 |
| 3. | Full siblingship: Two alleged full siblings with or without common parent | Ksh 20,000 |
| 4. | Half siblingship. Two alleged half siblings with or without common parents | Ksh 20,000 |
| 5. | DNA profile for individuals | Ksh 10,000 |
